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Impressions in Black and White

This third Pure Piano CD diverges slightly from the previous two. Whereas there is still plenty of Bjorck's signature "quiet music to calm the heart in a noisy world,." this project includes nostalgic themes and some more energetic compositions.

ABOUT THIS ALBUM

Album Notes

THE MUSIC

IMPRESSIONS IN BLACK AND WHITE is Bjorck's third Pure Piano release. Nature inspired his first two CDs, reflected in the vivid photos gracing their covers. In contrast, this third effort's compositions sprang primarily from Jeff's imagination, and the CD cover reflects this change. He digitally created the impressionist piano image in black and white, but he insists that "the music is always in full color!"

Many listeners asked for more background for Jeff's compositions, so on this CD, he complies. In fact, Bjorck encourages the listener to read the liner notes, containing the stories behind each piece, before and/or during listening.

Recorded primarily in 2004, these eleven pieces were composed over the past four years with two exceptions: All I See Is Air (1977) and Return To Catskill Meadow (1998). Played softly, IMPRESSIONS presents fresh "quiet music to calm the heart in a noisy world. "Many pieces on this new disc are more vibrant, however, and the listener is encouraged to turn up the volume on occasion for optimal enjoyment! Jeff notes, "I hope that these IMPRESSIONS will give my listeners the emotional, classically styled music they have come to expect, while gently introducing them to my more energetic side!"

THE ARTIST

As an artist, Jeff Bjorck believes music in its purest form is sometimes the closest thing to art. Not surprisingly, his solo acoustic piano compositions paint a gallery of musical images suitable for framing. These original works interweave delicacy with intensity, combine musical notes with the space between them, and create moving pictures that move the emotions. Dr. Bjorck is somewhat of an expert on emotions. As a clinical psychologist, researcher, and professor at Fuller Seminary's Graduate School of Psychology, his multifaceted vocation typifies his ongoing passion for a Renaissance man's approach to life.

Jeff's nontraditional method of composition has remained basically the same during the past thirty-five years. He sits at the piano, plays spontaneously from the heart, and stops to develop any musical themes that surprise him. He confesses, "Sometimes I feel like a third party, listening to the whole process as an interested observer!"

To Jeff, nature embodies God's ultimate artistic creativity, and it is frequently the subject of his portraits. Born to two artists, he began creating music when he was ten years old. He also loves composing through the media of photography, illustration, painting, and poetry.

In addition to original compositions, Jeff includes original arrangements of traditional hymns on his CDs. He remarks, "My faith and relationship with Jesus Christ provide vision and give my life its meaning. My creativity merely imitates the Creator." He describes his compositions as "quiet music to calm the heart in a noisy world." Listeners apparently agree. His music has provided reassuring focus for mothers in delivery, peaceful rest when insomnia comes knocking, and elegant ambiance at intimate wedding receptions and dinner parties. Jeff also donates his music to Pediatric psychology staff at City of Hope Hospital, Duarte, CA, who have use his CDs as part of their approach to stress management with pediatric cancer patients and their families. He remarks, "It is my hope that I can bring all my listeners emotional music with a classical feel that lifts them from the rat race and gently sets them down in a restful place, as far away from everyday chaos as possible."

When not working or enjoying time with his wife, Sharon, Jeff occasionally likes scaring their two cats with his clarinet renditions of '30s and '40s big band tunes. He also loves to seek creative inspiration for new music by hang gliding high above the mountains of Southern California.

“Impressions in Black and White” is pianist/composer/Renaissance-man Jeff Bjorck’s third release to date. While Bjorck’s first two albums were inspired by nature, most of the music from “Impressions” came primarily from his imagination. A clinical psychologist and professor at a theological seminary in Southern California, Dr. Bjorck always has a lot of diverse irons in the fire, and his music reflects those various influences. This is a mostly peaceful solo piano album, with a few more upbeat and energetic pieces that allow us to see another side of Bjorck’s musical personality. As he did on his first albums, he has framed his original compositions with two classic hymns, “Day By Day” and “Be Still My Soul,” which happens to be my favorite track on this CD.

“Feather’s Flight” is another favorite. With the left hand playing the part of a gentle breeze and the right hand a floating feather, this is truly an impressionistic piece that is hypnotic and soothing. “Walking With Tevye” is quite different. Referring to the lead character in “Fiddler On the Roof,” this is Bjorck’s idea of what it would be like to join the milkman on his delivery route. Very minor and Russian-sounding, this piece has a lot of energy behind its melancholy melody - a very interesting and enjoyable concept. “Return to Catskill Meadow” is a variation on a theme from an earlier piece, and is Bjorck at his best. The spaces between the notes are as important as the notes themselves, and the beautiful fluidity makes it feel like an inspired improvisation. One of my favorites of Bjorck’s previous works is “Desert Cloudburst” (now available in sheet music!), which so wonderfully describes a rainstorm in the desert. “Sun Shower” is similar with its percussive “fat” raindrops splashing on the ground and causing steam and rainbows - played with energy and enthusiasm. “All I See Is Air” is a tale of unrequited love that Bjorck originally composed when he was sixteen. Hope and longing fill this sad and touching piece. “First Carnival” is an autobiographical recollection of Bjorck’s own experience as an excited and hyperactive child, running breathlessly from ride to ride and to all of the exhibits. Light and full of fun, this may be a bit of a surprise for Bjorck’s fans, but I like it! “Swans” is another quiet, introspective composition that reflects the grace of a pair of swans gliding on the water as the sun sets - very peaceful and serene! The closing hymn, “Be Still My Soul” is breathtaking in its beauty. A favorite of both of his parents’ as well as his hero’s, this quiet hymn obviously has very deep meaning for Bjorck, and his arrangement is so emotional and personal that I was immediately enraptured by it. I could listen to this one all day!

“Impressions in Black and White” is one of those albums that gets better the more you listen to it - I like that kind of complexity! There is always something new each time you hear it. Recommended!

This is the third "Pure Piano" album from pianist Jeff Bjork and it displays the artist's ability to infuse his music, whether original compositions or his rendition of two hymns (serving as the opening and closing numbers), with depth of feeling and technical virtuosity. In the liner notes, Bjork refers to his music as being "classically inspired" and that's more or less true. The piano music throughout the CD is rich with warm melodies that flow with grace and even elegance at times. Bjork makes mention in his liner notes that some selections on the album are more vibrant, although since this is his first recording I've heard, I can't judge how relative a statement that is. I don't consider anything here to be mod-breaking, the mood being primarily reflective and low-key.

My favorites on Impressions in Black and White include the delicate "Feather's Flight" (with some solidly pleasant counterpoint between upper register melody and the lower register refrain), the wonderfully nostalgic and minimal "Return to Catskill Meadow" (I think it's the best selection on the entire CD) and the tender grace of "Swans." There are also more dramatic compositions on the recording, such as "First Carnival," which has a playful jubilant air to it, and the cheery sprightly "La Sonrisa Del Sol." I was less enthusiastic about the somewhat downbeat (although not entirely downtempo) "Walking With Tevye" and while Bjork's readings of the hymns are well performed, I thought they could both be trimmed a bit (one is six-and-a half minutes, the over seven-and-a-half). Of the two, I enjoyed "Be Still My Soul" more, as it felt more intimate and less like a "church hymn."

Taken as a whole, Impressions in Black and White is a worthy addition to any solo piano music lover's collection. Recording quality is very good and Bjork expertly balances accessible melodicism with nuance and doses of minimalism, as well as crafting some truly evocative moments here and there throughout the CD. I recommend the album to fans of the genre and others who enjoy piano music that is emotionally complex but still wholly accessible.

I listen to this CD everyday....Jeff Bjork masterfully blends his piano skills with passion and soul. While I am no musician, I consider myself a piano music afficianodo and this CD is one of the best. I have his other CDs and will buy every one he makes in the future.